New Britain Twp. Will Sue For Safer Peace Valley Park

New Britain Township officials have made good on their promise to seek the closing of Peace Valley Park because of what they consider to be lax security measures.

Bucks County solicitor James M. McNamara said yesterday the township has notified the county through a writ of summons that it will sue the commissioners in an effort to obtain better security staffing at the 1,500- acre park near Fountainville.

Last month the township supervisors brought a list of demands to the commissioners, contending that routine ranger patrols were not sufficient to protect park users and neighbors whose homes border the facility.

The supervisors claimed the township police department responds to more than 200 calls per year in the park. The board members also cited three drowning incidents in the past two years in the park's Lake Galena as a reason for added security.

"We've received a few communications from the county, one saying they would continue to operate the park the way they have operated it in the past," said Robert C. Bender, township manager. "We had hoped to get a favorable reaction, but we've found it necessary to file a legal brief."

The writ is actually a notification that a lawsuit will be filed. Bender said he expects the township to bring the suit within a month.

According to Bender, the suit will ask for a court order to close down the park until the county improves the security force.

"We'd prefer the commissioners place a high priority on security in the park. If they can't do that, we'll ask for the park to be closed until they can do it," Bender said.

Park and recreation officials have contended that the level of security in Peace Valley is no different than what is provided in other county parks. Also, park officials said Peace Valley has had a good safety record in its 11 years of operation.

Under the department's policy, Peace Valley is routinely patrolled by rangers, although none is specifically assigned to the park. Also, the rangers are on call 24 hours a day to respond to emergencies in Peace Valley or any of the county's other parks.

McNamara said the county will argue against closure of the park.

"We of course intend to defend against the lawsuit," said the solicitor.

Bender said the supervisors are angry because the commissioners made little effort to hear the township's case.

"We weren't even invited to sit down and discuss the issue," he said. "We haven't even received a phone call from a county official saying they would like to discuss the matter."

In the list of demands presented to the commissioners, the township supervisors asked for 24-hour ranger coverage and that all rangers be provided with radio equipment.

The supervisors asked for a rescue boat to be stationed in the park at all times and that rangers be given education in water rescue skills. Also, the supervisors demanded additional park attendants be assigned to Peace Valley during spring and summer months.